The Federal Government has decided that armed German forces will take part in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon for the last time. The aim is to complete the mission’s operational mandate by 31 December 2026. The German Bundestag still needs to approve the resolution.   

The mandate also includes the winding-down phase, during which the Bundeswehr will repatriate its soldiers – as well as support for the United Nations (UN) and its member states around the withdrawal through 30 June 2027. 

Decision follows UN resolution

The Federal Government’s decision was reached in light of the backdrop of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2790 (2025) of 28 August 2025. That resolution extended UNIFIL’s UN mandate for the last time through 31 December 2026 – in conjunction with a subsequent winding-down phase.

Until then, operational duties will still be carried out. This includes participation with a frigate in the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force, with staff personnel at UNIFIL headquarters and with training personnel for the development of the Lebanese Navy’s capabilities. Up to 300 Bundeswehr soldiers may be deployed for this purpose. From 1 January 2027, up to 80 soldiers may be deployed.   

Due to the current threat and security situation in the region, training was suspended in March. However, it is set to be resumed as soon as possible.  

UNIFIL remains important for security and stability

Even in the current situation, UNIFIL remains an important player for security and stability in Lebanon and the region. Through the end of 2026, the mission will focus primarily on supporting the Lebanese armed forces in taking control of their own territory. 

Significant progress by Lebanese Navy

Since the establishment of the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force in 2006, UNIFIL has also been monitoring the United Nations arms embargo in Lebanese coastal waters, as stipulated in Security Council Resolution 1701.

Thanks to the training provided by the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force, the Lebanese navy has made considerable progress in monitoring its own territorial waters. In principle, it is now able to carry out all technical procedures independently, from querying to inspecting suspicious ships.  

These tasks will therefore continue to be trained and supported through the end of the mandate in order to empower the Lebanese Navy as sustainably as possible.